After the IRS accepts your e-filed tax return, most refunds are issued within 21 days. In fact, the IRS generally states that 9 out of 10 refunds are processed within that timeframe. However, some returns may require additional review, which can extend processing times.
Keep in mind that "accepted" and "processed" are not the same thing. Acceptance simply means the IRS received your return and determined it passed its initial checks. Your return must still go through processing before a refund can be approved and issued.
How Can I Track My Refund?
Once your return has been accepted, you can monitor its status directly from your account.
To track your refund:
- Log in to your account.
- Go to the Tax Home screen.
- Select Track Refund next to your return status.
This link will take you to the IRS refund tracking tool, where you can view the most current information available about your refund.
If your return was recently accepted, refund information may not appear immediately. It can take 24 to 48 hours for the IRS to update its systems after acceptance.
What You'll Need to Track Your Refund
The IRS refund tracker typically requires:
- Your Social Security number or ITIN
- Your filing status
- Your expected refund amount
Having this information available can help you access your refund status quickly.
How Long Does It Take the IRS to Accept an E-Filed Return?
Most electronically filed returns receive an acceptance or rejection notification within 48 hours of submission.
You'll receive an acknowledgment through:
- The email address associated with your account
- The Messages section of your account
The acknowledgment will confirm whether your return was accepted or rejected by the IRS.
Once the IRS accepts your return, refund timing can vary based on factors such as filing method, refund delivery option, and whether additional verification is required.
For the most current refund information, refer to the IRS refund tracking tools here after your return has been accepted.
What Happens If My Return Is Rejected?
A rejected return hasn't been accepted by the IRS, which means you can usually correct the issue and resubmit it electronically.
To fix a rejected return:
- Log in to your account.
- Review the rejection message and instructions.
- Make any necessary corrections.
- Resubmit the return through the e-file process.
You can resubmit the same return at no additional charge, provided you're filing the same forms and haven't added new products or services.
Important E-File Deadline Rules
If your deadline is April 15 and your return gets rejected, you have until April 20 to get the return accepted. Generally, as long as your original E-file was submitted prior to the April 15 deadline and the return is accepted by April 20, your return is still considered timely. If your return is accepted after that date, it is considered late.
If your deadline is October 15 (because you filed an extension), and your original submission is rejected you have until October 20 to get your return accepted by the IRS. Generally, as long as your original E-file was submitted prior to the October 15 deadline and the return is accepted by October 20, your return is still considered timely. However, unlike April 15 filers, if you are unable to get your return accepted by October 20, you will not be able to E-file your return. Unfortunately, the IRS completely stops accepting electronically transmitted returns at that time. If you are unable to get your return accepted by the IRS prior to October 20, you will have to mail your return in.
Important: Any tax owed is generally due by the original filing deadline, even if you file an extension. Filing an extension delays the filing requirement, not the payment requirement.
Why Doesn't the IRS Show a Record of My Return Yet?
If your return was recently accepted but does not appear in your IRS account, the IRS is likely still processing it.
The IRS typically updates its systems only after your return moves through certain stages of processing. As a result, there may be a delay between acceptance and when the return becomes visible in IRS records.
This is especially common during peak filing periods or when additional review is required.
You can continue monitoring your return's progress using the IRS refund tracking tool here until processing is complete.